Stowe, Vermont is one of those bucket list-worthy New England destinations that truly offers something in each season, despite being known for fall foliage and skiing. After many, many visits, it’s also a place that I think is worthy of all the hype it receives.
I first visited Stowe years ago and have returned countless times since, exploring the town and surrounding areas in winter, fall, summer, and shoulder seasons. Over the years, I’ve hiked some of the trails, walked the entire Recreation Path, explored the village during peak foliage crowds, and experienced what the town is like when things slow down in November and April.
In this post, I’m sharing the best things to do in Stowe, VT, including iconic attractions, outdoor experiences, and seasonal highlights that are perfect for your itinerary. Regardless of the month you visit, I’m confident that beautiful Stowe will capture your heart, and you’ll be planning another visit shortly after leaving 😊
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Best Things To Do In Stowe, VT
1. Main Street
Stowe’s Main Street is pretty small, and only spans a few blocks, but it still continues to be one of my favorite Main Streets in New England. Pretty much all of the stores are appealing, and there’s an awesome variety to stroll through, from country and general stores, to housewares, gifts, and souvenirs.
Some of my favorite shops on and around Main Street are:
→ Stowe Mercantile
→ Farm Home Marketplace
→ Bear Pond Books
→ Tangerine & Olive (located in Mountain Road, but close to Main Street)
During your stroll around Main Street, be sure to visit the Giles W. Dewey covered bridge right in the village (it goes over the river at the Mountain Road and Main Street intersection – you can’t miss it!). You’ll likely cross it anyway during your walk around Main Street, but it’s a really nice little photo spot to remember your trip by, and it adds a lot of charm to the village center.
2. Mount Mansfield Summit – Vermont’s Highest Peak
Getting to the top of Vermont’s tallest mountain is one of the best things to do when visiting Stowe because it offers absolutely incredible views. There are a few different ways to get there, too, depending on your personal preferences.
SkyRide Gondola: This is my personal favorite way to get to the summit. It’s easy, requires no hiking or driving, and parking is also convenient at the large lot. The only downside is that the gondola is pretty expensive, and they increase prices during fall foliage season. However, I really recommend the entire experience if it works with your budget.
The Auto Road: Open late May through mid-October, the auto road is also a great option. It’s still a bit on the pricey side, but it’s also less expensive than the gondola ride per person. The drive up is only about 4.5 miles each way, but it’s mostly a narrow, gravel road, and you’ll want to know how to pump your breaks and switch into a low gear when going down. However, you’ll get pretty much the same views at the top as the gondola ride.
Hiking: For those who want a challenging hike, this is also an option! There are a few different trails to choose from to get to the summit, ranging from 5.5-7.8 miles long, and all of them are considered hard. I’ve never hiked any of them personally because of the difficulty level, but experienced hikers will likely love this option for a rewarding view.
3. Recreation Path
One of my personal favorite things to do in Stowe is the Recreation Path, which is a 5.3 paved pedestrian/bike path that runs from the village center out into the countryside. It’s flat, easy, relaxing, and is such a wonderful way to experience the town.
The two ends of the path are:
→ Lintilhac Park behind the community church in the village center
→ Brookdale Covered Bridge, off Mountain Road heading toward Smugglers Notch
Both of these ends of the trail have a small parking lot if you need to park. My favorite section of the trail is starting at Brookdale Covered Bridge because from here, you’ll pass by farms (including Percy Farm Corn Maze in season!), and enjoy views of the mountains (just be sure to look behind you when heading out from the covered bridge, though 😉).
There are a few other access points to the path, too, including Thompson Park, and Luce Park, both of which also have parking areas.
If you only have a short amount of time to walk the path, though, I’d recommend picking it up from Main Street – just walk behind the big white church to Lintilhac Park, and cross the little bridge. This is a really pretty part of the path, and allows you to walk a short distance before heading back into town.
4. Covered Bridges (One’s Supposedly Haunted!)
I know I just mentioned Brookdale Covered Bridge, and also talked about Giles W. Dewey covered bridge near Main Street, both of which are worth checking out.
However, there’s another one right in Stowe that’s more famous – Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Emily’s Bridge. And local lore will tell you that it’s haunted.
The story goes that Emily was supposed to meet her lover on the bridge to elope, but he never showed, so she hung herself from the rafters. People over the years have reported hearing a women’s voice, or mysterious creaking coming from the rafters that can’t be explained. However, others have also been able to trace the lore back to a specific rumor that’s confirmed to have been false. So, whichever you believe, it’s still worth visiting the bridge just to see it in person.
There’s a small parking area near the bridge, so you’re able to walk around when you arrive. But please use caution, as this is a working bridge that vehicles regularly cross. It’s important that you don’t get in the way of drivers, and stay safe while visiting.
5. Smuggler’s Notch Scenic Drive & State Park
Near Mount Mansfield, you’ll find the beautiful Smugglers Notch area, which is known as one of the best fall foliage drives not only in Vermont, but also New England. The drive is short at only about 3.5 miles each way, but goes through the notch, which puts on a wonderful display of fall foliage in the autumn season. There are also some tight hairpin turns that make the drive a little exciting, too, but that means it’s important to drive slowly and carefully.
While the drive itself is worth doing, the entire park is also really fun to explore. There are various hiking and nature trails inside the park, which is really the main thing to do here besides the scenic drive. There’s also the really pretty Bingham Falls, which is a local swimming hole in the summer, but it can get pretty crowded on a hot day.
To get to the waterfall, you can take either the Bingham Falls trail, which requires a steep rock scramble at the end, but is otherwise pretty easy. Or, take a longer trail called Mill Trail, which will avoid the rock scramble entirely.
6. Hiking
While hiking is not something you have to do when visiting Stowe, it’s definitely one of the best things to have on your itinerary if you’re visiting during the summer or fall season. There are some really awesome trails with stunning views in town, and while most of them are in the moderate-challenging category, it’s an excellent destination for hikers with views that make up for it.
I know I’ve already mentioned Mount Mansfield, and the short hikes to Bingham Waterfall, so we’ll skip those for now. Here are some other really great trails to consider during your visit:
Stowe Pinnacle: Next to Mount Mansfield, this is probably the most popular trail in town that leads to a stunning mountain vista overlook. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, but since it’s so popular, getting up early to start the trail is best during peak season. This one is a 3.3 mile out-and-back trail, with 1,561 feet of elevation gain – which makes this one a bit challenging because it’s pretty much uphill most of the way.
The Long Trail: One of the most iconic hiking trails in the U.S., and you can hike a portion of it from Stowe. You’ll want to start at the Barnes Camp Visitor’s Center to hop on the trail, and it does traverse over Mount Mansfield, making this one very difficult. It can be as long or short as you want it to be, since the entire trail runs through all of Vermont.
Moss Glen Falls: This is a very short and easy hike that’s more like a nature trail, which takes you to one of Vermont’s tallest waterfalls. It’s only about a half mile out-and-back, so it doesn’t take very long, making this is a great option if you’re short on time, or traveling with little kids.
Wiessner Woods: This is an easy and flat 2-mile loop that goes through wooded areas and meadows. So, if you’ve already done the Rec Path and are looking for another easy walk in the area, this is the one I’d recommend next. It’s good to know that the parking area is pretty small, so you’ll want to arrive early during peak times.
What about Sunset Rock? Honestly, I don’t necessarily think this one is worth it. The view from the overlook can be nice during stick season when the trees have no leaves. However, it’s otherwise a pretty obstructed view for the effort it requires. It’s a short trail, but still a steady uphill climb – I don’t necessarily think the payoff is worth the effort.
7. Beer, Cider & Spirits Tastings
Stowe has a variety of places to sip on speciality drinks and alcohol, so if you have an interest in beer, cider, or spirits, you’ll have some cool spots to check out during your visit.
The first place I recommend is Stowe Cider, which is a hard cidery that also has a small food menu. It sits along Mountain Road, so it’s pretty easy to get to, and they always have a great selection of their own hard ciders on tap. They also offer flights, and cans for grab-and-go to bring home with you.
Next is The Alchemist Brewery, which is often regarded as one of the best breweries in Vermont. Known for their Heady Topper American Double IPA, they have a large tasting room that serves flights and full pours, plus there’s usually a food truck on-site if you get hungry while here (although, you’ll want to double check food truck hours as it can vary based on the time of year).
On Mountain Road, you’ll also find Idletyme Brewing, which is both a full restaurant with awesome food, as well as a brewery. I often come here for dinner because their food is actually really delicious, and their beer, which is brewed on-site, is also great.
Last is the Smugglers Notch Distillery, which has a few different tasting rooms through Vermont, but one is located right on Main Street in Stowe. Their most popular spirit is their Smugglers Notch Vodka, but I’m more partial to their Vermont Maple Bourbon Whiskey.
*These suggestions are intended for those aged 21 and over. Please drink responsibly.
8. Percy Farm Corn Maze
Located right along the Recreation Path, the Percy Farm Corn Maze is typically open starting in either late July or early August, and runs through mid-October, depending on weather. This is such a fun seasonal activity to consider if you’re visiting when it’s open.
The corn maze takes about 30-45 minutes to complete, and spans just under 10 acres. It’s pretty big, so be sure to be ready when you walk in! I also recommend that if you visit on a hot day, go either in the morning or just before it closes later in the day (allowing enough time to complete the maze, of course), as it’s easy to underestimate the summer heat without any shade.
Parking for the Corn Maze can also be found at Thompson Park, and from there, it’s just a short walk to the maze. Be prepared to pay with cash or Venmo.
9. Fall Foliage, Of Course
In addition to the ski resort, Stowe, VT is known as one of the top foliage destinations in all of New England, and also the entire U.S. Because of the high density of sugar maples and oak trees, plus various other foliage trees that produce stunning color this time of the year, the foliage up this way is just so expansive and impactful. Combine that with the dramatic mountain scenery, and it’s truly one of the best bucket list fall foliage experiences you can have.
Fall foliage can also be seen from most places in Stowe, including the village center and Main Street, but the best places to see if are in the mountain areas of town near Mount Mansfield and Smugglers Notch, in addition to the Rec Path.
10. Artisanal Coffee
If you absolutely love good coffee, I have a great recommendation for you! Technically, it’s located in Waterbury Center, but really, it’s minutes from Main Street in Stowe.
Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea is such a fantastic place to visit for any coffee lover. Specializing in fresh-roasted and high-quality beans, the founder is a coffee connoisseur who prioritizes farm-direct sourcing and local ingredients. They also offer tours of the roastery, and it’s located far enough from town that the rural views from outside are the perfect vibe to enjoy your coffee with.
While driving on Route 100 heading toward Waterbury Center, just look for the giant red barn 😉
11. Experience Christmas & Winter In Stowe
While fall foliage season is simply spectacular in Stowe, winter offers an equally exciting but different kind of experience – and it’s definitely one worth having! Stowe continues to be one of best New England towns to visit in the winter season. The quaint village center, mountain scenery, and winter activities (for everyone, not just skiers), is just so perfect and on point.
Winter kicks off with the Traditional Christmas in Stowe festival in December. Enjoy a tree lighting, decorations throughout town, visits from Santa, a parade, the Candy Cane Lane stroll, and so much more.
After Christmas and New Year’s are over, the town continues to feel like a real-life snow globe. There are ice sculptures during the winter carnival, a cute outdoor ice skating rink at the Spruce Peak Village, cozy dining, and options for sleigh rides.
Plus, of course, it goes without saying that the Spruce Peak ski resort is one of the top ski destinations in the Northeast, so hitting the slopes, and the aprés ski scene is definitely one of the top winter experiences in town.
Psst! I have a detailed post on things to do in Stowe in the winter, if you need more ideas 😉
Things Do To Near Stowe, VT
There’s plenty to do right in Stowe, but there are also some really great excursions and day trips worth taking from here. If you’re in Stowe for a full day or longer, here’s what I recommend nearby that’s truly worth your time.
12. Waterbury Center: Ben & Jerry’s, Cold Hollow & Cheese Tastings
Waterbury Center is the most common destination that people will combine with Stowe because it’s so close by – only about 10-15 minutes without traffic.
This part of Waterbury Center (not to be confused with downtown Waterbury) is home to three places that make it worth visiting:
Cold Hollow Cider Mill & Tasting Room: This is a very, very popular place that serves fresh-pressed cider, donuts, and now makes their own hard cider, which you can try in their tasting room. There’s also a large country store attached, and a restaurant where you can order food, which has turned it into a larger destination. While I do like the donuts here, I usually like to tell people that I don’t think it’s worth visiting when it’s insanely crowded during weekends in early October. The donuts are plain (no sugar or other flavors), and it truly becomes a madhouse that backs up traffic for a few miles. That said, if you’re visiting any other time of the year, it’s definitely worth a stop.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory: This is the original factory for the now famous ice cream brand. They offer tours of the factory, and also have an ice cream shop, gift shop, and a cool little “flavor graveyard,” which is a small little graveyard with tombstones for discontinued ice cream flavors.
Cabot Creamery Store: This household cheese brand is a Vermont staple, and they only have two shops in Vermont, one of which is in Waterbury Center. The store is actually pretty big, and they always have cheese samples out, plenty of cheeses to buy, and a small gift shop with local Vermont goodies.
Some other cool stops to make in this area are Lake Champlain Chocolates and Smugglers Notch Distillery, so if you didn’t visit when you were in the village center in Stowe, you can pop into these shops here.
13. Play With Golden Retrievers At Golden Dog Farm
One of the most unique things to do when visiting this part of Vermont is driving over to Golden Dog Farm. You may have seen this special farm on Instagram because they’re now known as the farm that lets you play with their golden retriever dogs.
But before they were known for their “play with goldens” experience, they were actually a maple syrup farm, and you can find their high-quality syrup in stores throughout Vermont.
They have different kinds of experiences you can book now, everything from their traditional golden experience, to pancakes with goldens. But the biggest things to know are:
→ Any kind of visit to the farm for a tour or dog experience requires a reservation.
→ Their golden experiences sell out pretty far in advance because they’ve gotten really popular.
However, if you just want to swing by to visit their farm store to pick up some maple syrup, honey, or Golden Dog Farm merch, their farm store is open Wednesdays – Sundays, 10am – 4pm.
Click here to check out the Golden Dog Farm!
14. Woodstock & Quechee
These two destinations are more of a day trip from Stowe, as Woodstock is about an hour and 20 minutes or so from Stowe. However, whenever visiting one, I always recommend you visit the other, as these are two of the prettiest and best towns to experience in Vermont.
Woodstock is known for its picturesque downtown, covered bridges, and mountain scenery in the countryside back roads. It’s got amazing dining options, and overall, feels like the set of a Hallmark movie. There’s lots to do, from Sugarbush Farms, to the Billings Farm & Historical Park, or you could easily just spend a few hours in the charming town center having lunch and exploring the shops. It’s small, but enjoying the town at a slow pace is really wonderful.
Only about 15 minutes from Woodstock is Quechee, which doesn’t have a walkable downtown/Main Street, but has plenty to do that makes it worth visiting since it’s so close by. There’s the beautiful gorge, the Village Shops plaza with cute stores, the VINS Science center and forest canopy walk, Simon Pearce flagship store, and a covered bridge.
Psst! I have a more detailed guide on the best things to do in Woodstock, VT, if you need more ideas 😉
15. Burlington
Burlington is about 45-50 minutes from Stowe, and is a fun day trip to take because the city vibes here are a nice contrast to the small mountain town atmosphere in Stowe.
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city, and while it definitely feels like a city, it’s still pretty quaint and easy to navigate. It sits along Lake Champlain, so has a really nice waterfront park, opportunities to tour the lake by boat, and has a great little shopping area called Church Street Marketplace.
16. Lake Willoughby
Last on my list is the beautiful Lake Willoughby. While Vermont is home to over 800 lakes, which is pretty impressive given its size, Lake Willoughby is especially pretty because of its fjord-like landscape. The lake is bordered by mountains on either side, and offers nice hiking trails, small beaches, and a short but scenic drive around the lake for stunning views.
This spot is especially beautiful in the fall with all the foliage on the mountains, but it’s also perfect in the summer to go for a swim. It doesn’t require a lot of time (unless you kayak around the lake, or head out on a hike), but the drive there and back is lovely, and a great way to explore the northern areas of Vermont.
Where To Stay In Stowe, VT
I have a detailed post on where to stay in Stowe, VT, which breaks down the different areas of town, and is worth reading if you’re planning your first visit. However, a quick recap of that post is this:
Stowe is small, but it’s more spread out than people realize. You can either stay close to Main Street, along Mountain Road, or close to the mountains. Here are my top hotel recommendations based on years of staying in different parts of town:
Top Luxury Resort: Lodge at Spruce Peak
Spruce Peak is located on the mountain side of town, which means you’ll need to drive to get to the main village center’s shops and dining. That said, you’re quite literally steps from the mountain, including the SkyRide Gondola and Smugglers Notch. This resort is beautiful, and many rooms offer mountain views. It’s also got dining and a spa on-site (the spa is fabulous!), and it’s a ski-in/ski-out resort in the winter.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Lodge at Spruce Peak
Best Mid-Level Option: Green Mountain Inn
I love this inn for a few reasons. One, it’s right on Main Street in town, so walkability is awesome. Two, it’s a really nice, cozy New England style inn. The rooms are updated, but still feel historic, and I always love my stays here.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Green Mountain Inn
Best Budget Option: Stowe Village Inn Motel Rooms
The Village Inn is not far from the Green Mountain Inn, and is only a short walk to Main Street. There are two different room types at this property, and the motel rooms are often very affordable for the area. They’re also recently updated and modern.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Stowe Village Inn
Where To Eat In Stowe: Coffee Shops, Restaurants & More
Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea: As mentioned earlier in this post, it’s a wonderful option for your morning coffee, but just far enough from town that you need to drive.
The Roastery: Another fantastic coffee shop in Stowe. This one is also just far enough outside town that you need to drive there, but it’s very much worth it. Excellent coffee, and a small selection of baked goods and breakfast sandwiches.
Black Cap: Right on Main Street, so it’s a much easier spot for your morning coffee, and my favorite that’s walkable from the village center when you need to prioritize convenience. They have great breakfast sandwiches here, baked goods, and a full espresso bar. Their seasonal lattes and drinks are always delicious.
Butler’s Pantry: My favorite breakfast spot in town, but they serve brunch and dinner. They don’t take reservations for breakfast, so you’ll want to be prepared for a wait during peak breakfast hours. They’re typically open Thursday – Monday, and everything I’ve gotten for breakfast here has been amazing.
Idletyme: It’s much more than a brewery, and as mentioned, it’s got delicious food. I usually come here for dinner at least once I’m in town during longer stays. You’ll find mostly pub food here – get the Vermont cheddar fritters, and thank me later 😉
American Flatbread: My favorite pizza in Stowe. It’s a local New England brand with a few locations around the region, but they continue to do an amazing job with quality of ingredients and delicious pizzas. They also source a lot of ingredients locally. Absolutely love it here.
Harrison’s: When I want a nicer dinner out in town that’s still casual, I go to Harrison’s. The vibes here are so cozy and warm, and the menu has traditional American/New England offerings. Everything is pretty simple, but so well executed with awesome flavors.
Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe: A great spot for baked goods when you want a sweet treat during your visit. Everything I’ve ever gotten here has been a hit, and I highly recommend it.
Visiting Stowe: Answering Your Questions
Is Stowe Really Worth Visiting?
My honest answer is yes, absolutely. But, there’s some nuance depending on the time of year. If you truly don’t handle crowds well, you may want to skip visiting during weekends in early October. But because the town has so much to offer year-round, including its charm, great dining scene, and activities, it’s definitely worth visiting. The town feels like a postcard come to life.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Stowe
Stowe’s most popular seasons to visit are fall during foliage season, and winter for ski season. The rest of the year does still see tourism, but it’s generally a lot quieter in my experience. I do think fall foliage season is worth it in Stowe, too. After years of traveling through New England in the fall, and taking many winter trips as well, Stowe still stands out as a top destination during these months.
Is Stowe, VT Crowded?
Yes, it can be – especially the first two weekends in October when foliage is as its best. Indigenous People’s weekend in Stowe is one of the most crowded times to visit because it often coincides with peak foliage. The winter season, as mentioned, is also quite busy, but I’ve found most of the crowds to be on the actual slopes, and not as much in town in December-February (unless you’re there for the Christmas festival).
The rest of the year, crowds are much smaller and manageable. I also really like to visit during late foliage season (later in October or early November) because hotels are much cheaper, and crowds are gone until ski season begins.
Is Stowe Walkable?
Yes and no. The main town area is very walkable (around Main Street), and there are a few hotels within walking distance to this area. From here, you’ll have access to shops, some restaurants, a few cafés, and the Rec Path. However, all the other attractions (like Smugglers Notch) require a car.
How To Spend A Day In Stowe
If you have one day in Stowe, it depends on what you want to do, as a hike can easily eat up a large portion of your day. However, for most people, I would prioritize Main Street, the part of the Rec Path that’s closest to Main Street, Smugglers Notch, and the Mount Mansfield Summit. If you have time, head to Waterbury Center to do Ben & Jerry’s (if that’s of interest to you), the Cabot Farmers Store, and Cold Hollow (unless you’re visiting on a busy October weekend, then I would actually skip Waterbury Center because the traffic will be far too intense).
If you’re coming to Stowe to do a hike, you’ll likely have time for the hike, plus Main Street, and dinner or lunch somewhere.
More Of My Vermont Travel Guides:
- Vermont In The Fall
- Vermont In The Winter
- Vermont In The Spring
- All The Best Things To Do In Vermont
- Things To Do In Woodstock, VT
- Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
- What Is Vermont Known For? I’ll Tell You!
- Vermont Covered Bridge Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
- Best Things To Do In Waterbury, VT
- Awesome Corn Mazes In Vermont
You may also enjoy:
- Best Day Trips In New England
- Best Winter Getaways In New England
- 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary
That’s A Wrap On The Best Things To Do In Stowe, VT
And there you have it! All the very best things to do in Stowe, VT. Regardless of the time of year you visit, this little town is absolutely worth a stop during your travels in Vermont, and if you’re looking for the perfect fall foliage getaway, or ski vacation, you’ve absolutely found one of the best places to visit in Vermont.
